Press Kit - Women Golfer Trends

Florida's First Coast of Golf Offers the Courses and Amenities Women Golfers Seek

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – In recent years, research conducted by the PGA, National Golf Foundation, Executive Women's Golf Association and other groups indicates an increase in the number of women playing golf and an increase in the amount of money they spend on the game, merchandise and lessons. In fact, this research shows that women represent the most significant opportunity for growth in the industry. This research also shows that women golfers have certain priorities when it comes to planning a golf outing.

"The numbers clearly indicate that women prefer golf destinations that offer diverse course offerings, a safe and friendly environment, and first class amenities away from the course," explains David Reese, President, Florida's First Coast of Golf, Inc. "Fortunately for Florida's First Coast of Golf, our region can meet these criteria".

FFCG is a destination marketing company that promotes golf and travel to Northeast Florida, including Amelia Island, Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine, Clay County, and Flagler County.

One of the region's strengths is the diversity of courses from which women golfers can choose. Courses suitable for all skill levels can be found for beginners to skilled players seeking the challenge of courses which host professional events, like TPC Sawgrass. The area's courses also offer great settings and backdrops. The courses of Amelia Island Plantation feature scenic views from fairways and greens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to actually playing the game, research by the PGA shows women golfers are more inclined to take lessons and participate in golf clinics. In fact, the U.S. Golf Teachers Federation reports that while men golfers outnumber female golfers 3 to 1, women golfers take about half the golf lessons given.

"We are very fortunate to have some of the best teaching pros in the game here along the First Coast," Reese said. "The PGA TOUR Golf Academy at the World Golf Village is a prime example of this."

The PGA TOUR Golf Academy at World Golf Village is the only teaching academy to bear the PGA TOUR name.

Further research from the National Golf Foundation shows the learning environment is extremely important to women and played a role in their continued involvement with the game. Preferences include clinics with other beginners and working with women instructors.

Ocean Hammock Golf Club's friendly staff is under the direction of Mary Hafeman, a former LPGA Tour professional and award-winning instructor. Instruction at St. Augustine's Golf Club at South Hampton is led by Kimberly Lawlor.

Northeast Florida is home to beautiful sandy beaches, historical attractions and a full menu of nature based activities such as kayaking and birding. It's also home to the best golf in the Sunshine State. Women golfers planning their golf escapes have priorities that determine where they are going to travel, the courses they will play and the amount of money they will spend. With its diverse course offerings, ideal locations, instructional opportunities and off-course amenities, Florida's First Coast of Golf proves to be the ideal destination.

The abundance of golf courses, resorts and hotels in the area has created the need for the services and packages offered by Florida's First Coast of Golf, Inc. The organization can help women golfers plan their ideal golf vacation experience. By working with courses and accommodations in the area, Florida's First Coast of Golf can help build the perfect trip.

Florida's First Coast of Golf's Web site is an ideal spot to start planning any Florida golf escape. The site features weekly specials and other packages to help make a golf retreat affordable.

For more information or to make reservations call 888-859-8334 or visit www.florida-golf.org on the Internet.